Rachael Haynes' time out of the WBBL has proved a blessing in disguise for Australia, shaping the left-hander's game-changing Ashes knock.
Haynes made a patient 86 to help steady the ship for Australia in Canberra, after they slumped to 3-43 before going to stumps at 7-327.
The innings came in what Haynes admits could likely be her last Test for Australia, with her next Ashes series 18 months away and the vice-captain at age 35.
But on Thursday she still looked very much in her prime, with her score the highest of an Australian Test opener this century.
The Sydney Thunder captain left the ball nicely, only pouncing when England went far too short and wide.
It came after Australia had just three days between the T20s and Tests, with Haynes revealing she spent much of the WBBL time period facing the red ball.
Initially ruled out of the start for the birth of her child, border restrictions and quarantine requirements meant Haynes missed the the entire tournament and put her focus to leaving the ball.
"I've done a fair bit of work on it," Haynes said.
"It probably came out of not joining WBBL. Having this series in mind and needing to bat for longer periods of time.
"But also in New Zealand (for the March ODI World Cup), when we toured over there at the end of last season, seam and swing played a pretty big role.
"So I've done a lot of work on my decision making. Obviously in Test cricket you've got a bit more time so you've got that luxury."
Australia's red-ball calendar remains unclear, with the team continuing to push for more Tests both away and at home.
Haynes had her partner Leah Poulton and baby Hugo at Manuka Oval for part of Thursday, with this Test her sixth and likely the last they will be at to watch her in.
"Yeah, it's probably not an unfair assumption, to be honest, I think it probably will be my last Ashes Test," Haynes, who debut in 2009, said.
"So I just want to enjoy it for what it is. It's a really special occasion, not just for me as a player, but for the whole team."
